Three Peaks Cycle Challenge (4 days)

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a  range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

Easy: ​ Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. ​ Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

Relaxed: ​ Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. ​ Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those new to cycling. ​ Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. ​ Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. ​ Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Fort William, Scotland

The tour begins at Fort William where you’ll be met at our hotel by the More Adventure team for a trip briefing and evening meal. There are good connections to Fort William from Glasgow. We may also be able to help out with getting your bicycle and luggage to the start if you’re planning to travel by train or plane.

*We will be offering optional door-to-door bicycle and luggage transfer services for this trip, so here you will be reunited with your bicycle and luggage for the trip

Day 2: Glen Nevis – Ben Nevis (1345m) – Paisley

Cycling 104 miles & 5000 feet ascent / 167km & 1500m ascent

After breakfast in the hotel, we will be transferred by taxis to Glen Nevis Visitor Centre where we tackle our first mountain of the trip, Ben Nevis. At 1345m, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and the longest climb of the challenge. Back down at the visitor centre you’ll be united with your bicycles. After a quick change of clothing you’ll begin the first ride of the challenge, through the mighty Scottish Highlands, over Rannoch Moor, then along the glorious banks of Loch Lomond. Our overnight stop this evening is Paisley, just west of Glasgow.

Day 3: Paisley – Keswick

Cycling 131 miles & 7000 feet ascent / 211km & 2100m ascent

We’re cycling all day today, beginning with the slightly busier roads just southwest of Glasgow. Once we’ve cleared the outskirts we continue south on the quieter roads of the Scottish Borders and Lanarkshire. Dramatic mountain scenery abounds as we ride south towards England, finally crossing the border at Gretna. Our route skirts the west of Carlisle before heading south into the beautiful Lake District and to our overnight stop at the market tourist town of Keswick.

Day 4: Keswick – Seathwaite – Scafell Pike (978m) – Warrington

110 miles & 5500 feet ascent / 177km & 1700m ascent

We begin today by cycling 8 miles south along Derwent Water to Seathwaite which marks the start of our second mountain of the trip. Scafell Pike (978m) is the smallest of the three mountains, but with two tough days already in our legs, it certainly won’t feel like it. Once we’ve tackled Scafell Pike, we’ll jump back on the bikes towards Keswick then ride south through stunning scenery of the Southern Lakes, through Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere and Kendal. With most of the climbs out of the way, it should be an easier afternoon as we ride through Lancashire and Cheshire to our overnight stop in Warrington.

Day 5: Warrington – Pen-y-Pas – Snowdon (1085m)

90 miles & 4100 feet ascent / 145km & 1300m ascent

The final day of the challenge has arrived, with an extremely flat morning, one main climb at the end, and then trekking the final peak, Snowdon. We head southwest through Cheshire just to the south of the Mersey. We’ll cross the border into Wales and follow the coast west through the county of Flintshire and through the seaside towns of Prestatyn and Rhyl. Just beyond Colwyn Bay our route heads south along the river Conwy to Betws-y-Coed. From here we climb up into Snowdonia National Park on a stunning road through forests and vast mountains. Our cycling ends at Pen-y-Pas where we’ll get changed into hiking gear for the final mountain – Snowdon (1085m). Just a couple of hours later we’ll be stood on the summit then trek back down to Pen-y-Pas where we’ll be transferred by minibus back to Llanberis for a celebratory meal and our final night of the trip. Congratulations – you’ve just completed the Three Peaks Cycle Challenge!

Day 6: Llanberis – Chester train station

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, a bus will pick you up from the hotel door (no more cycling!) and transfer you, your bike and luggage to Chester where there are excellent train connections all over the UK. This is where the trip ends and we say our goodbyes (please contact us about further bicycle and luggage transfer options if you’d prefer not to travel with your bicycle).

This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed daily mileages, this cannot be guaranteed due to changes to hotel bookings.

Map

Includes

• Cycle leader(s)
• Mountain guide(s)
• Support driver and vehicle
• 5 x night’s hotel accommodation based upon twin sharing
• 5 x breakfasts
• 5 x lunches
• Bicycle mechanical support
• First Aid cover
• All luggage transported during your trip
• Transfers from Fort William to Glen Nevis
• Transfer from Llanberis to Chester
• GPX files of the route (if requested)
• Kit list, joining instructions and training plans

Not Included

• Transport to/from meeting points
• Bicycle and Helmet
• Lunches, evening meals and drinks
• Travel Insurance

FAQs

Do I need to be able to climb?

No. We use the term 'climb', but each mountain is trekkable, so no ropes or specialist equipment/experience is needed.

How do I get to Fort William?

Fort William is a reaonsably easy place to get to, with bus and train connections from Glasgow. More details on the easiest way to get there will be issued upon booking.

Will I need any specialist hiking equipment?

You will need certain items for the days climbing the mountains including walking boots, waterproofs, a small rucksack and warm, suitable clothing. A full clothing/equipment list will be issued upon booking.

How do I secure my place on this trip?

Scroll to the bottom of the page where you'll see dates for our open trips and the places available. Click Book Now, fill in your details and secure your place on the trip with a 40% deposit.

Do I need to raise sponsorship to take part in this trip?

Sponsorship is not required for this trip, no. To secure your place simply pay a 40% deposit then the balance is due no later than five weeks before the trip begins. If you wish to fundraise, please get in touch to see if we can help.